Shloka 20
Marutta–Indra Rivalry and Bṛhaspati’s Priestly Refusal (मरुत्तेन्द्रस्पर्धा—बृहस्पतेः पौरोहित्यनिश्चयः)
कथं ह्ामर्त्य ब्रह्मंस्त्वं याजयित्वा सुराधिपम् । याजयेरमत्युसंयुक्त मरुत्तमविशड्कया,“ब्रह्म! आप अमर देवराजका यज्ञ कराकर-देदवेन्द्रके पुरोहित होकर मरणथधर्मा मरुत्तका यज्ञ कैसे निःशंक होकर कराइयेगा?
kathaṃ hy amartya brahman tvaṃ yājayitvā surādhipam | yājayer martyusaṃyuktaṃ maruttaṃ aviśaṅkayā ||
“Hỡi Bà-la-môn, sau khi đã làm chủ tế, cử hành tế lễ cho vị chúa tể bất tử của chư thiên, làm sao ngươi có thể không do dự mà lại cử hành tế lễ cho Marutta—kẻ vẫn bị ràng buộc bởi phận hữu tử?”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a tension in ritual-ethical hierarchy: having officiated for an immortal divine sovereign (Indra), a priest may feel reluctance or doubt about officiating for a mortal king. It raises questions about impartiality in priestly duty and the proper valuation of human kingship versus divine status.
Vyāsa addresses a Brahmin officiant and challenges him: after conducting Indra’s sacrifice, how can he confidently conduct a sacrifice for King Marutta, who is mortal? The question frames the ensuing discussion about Marutta’s sacrifice and the legitimacy and stature of a human patron in comparison to the gods.